Ibuyambo Traditionals spearheads cultural revival in Langa

In a spirited effort to reinstate cultural teachings, values, and principles in contemporary society, Ibuyambo Traditionals, a non-profit organisation, hosted an enriching three-hour workshop at Guga Sithebe Hall in Langa on April 3. The event attracted esteemed guests from various traditional platforms, all gathered under the resonating theme of "Reclaiming Identity and the Power of Culture in a Changing Society."

Amanda Gxagxa, the director and founder of Ibuyambo Traditionals, articulated the event's crucial mission: to revisit and reexamine essential cultural customs that once guided parents in nurturing well-mannered children.

“Today’s youth face alarming challenges, from addiction and criminal behaviour to adolescent parenthood,” Gxagxa noted. The workshop aimed not only to spotlight these pressing issues but also to seek solutions through the lens of cultural context.

Gxagxa asserted that the core of cultural teachings, such as the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child,” has become increasingly diluted in today’s society. The infiltration of Western culture, she argued, has led to an alarming shift where respect and moral guidance are often reduced to the familial nuclear unit. “In a world where children often only regard their biological parents, the wider community's role in moral shaping is vanishing,” she lamented.

Reflecting on traditional customs, Gxagxa recounted the age-old practices related to adolescence, such as dietary restrictions imposed when a young girl begins menstruation or the rigid societal expectations placed on boys to suppress their emotions.

“These teachings, though perceived as outdated by some, provide a holistic framework for raising children in today's complex environment,” she explained. Gxagxa firmly believes that reconnecting with these cultural roots can empower parents to instil a deeper understanding of identity in their children, ultimately revitalising the community’s collective spirit.

Abongile Ngozi, a cultural activist and former spokesperson for the youth wing of The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), echoed the sentiments expressed by Gxagxa. He stressed the importance of fostering a sense of identity through traditional practices. “Events like these serve as crucial reminders to both young and old that Western cultures ought to assimilate into African traditions rather than the reverse,” Ngozi asserted.

Addressing concerns regarding the underappreciation of Xhosa culture, Ngozi pointed to historical colonisation as a significant factor. “Colonisers infiltrated and attempted to eradicate our culture, compelling disownment and adoption of their ways,” he explained. He highlighted the resilience of IsiXhosa-speaking nations that fought for over a century against colonial dominance, ultimately succeeding in preserving their cultural heritage despite external pressures.

As Ibuyambo Traditionals continues its mission, the organisation emphasises the pivotal role culture plays in guiding future generations. “It is paramount that parents and community members actively teach their children about their customs and traditions,” Gxagxa concluded. Reclaiming cultural identity is not just an act of nostalgia; it's a necessary step towards shaping responsible, well-rounded citizens in today's rapidly changing societal landscape.